No sound when playing files (Windows)

Why do I hear no sound when I play files?

If you don't hear sound when playing files: • There may be problems with the particular file you are playing, • There may be problems with your system's sound configuration, or • The sound card drivers are out-of-date.

To resolve this problem, you may need to check and adjust the system volume, play other files, check the sound card for device conflicts, close other programs, or update your sound card drivers.

Solution 1: Check that your system volume is not muted or set too low.

To adjust your system volume levels, access the speaker icon on your computer's taskbar. If you do not see the speaker icon on your taskbar, see your Windows Help to learn how to access it.

To make sure the volume is not muted on your system: 1. After opening RealTimes (RealPlayer), right-click the speaker icon next to the clock in the lower right corner of your monitor screen and select Mixer (or Volume Control in older versions). 2. In the Volume Mixer dialog box, move the slider that appears under RealTimes (RealPlayer). Try playing the file again.

Solution 2: Try playing other files.

To rule out a problem with the file itself, try playing a sample video clip:

If the sample file plays, the problem may be with the specific file that you were trying to play.

VOB files: If you're having trouble with a .vob file, and you have purchased RealPlayer Plus, make sure that RealPlayer's DVD Burn plugin is installed on your computer (just go to the Burn screen in RealPlayer and select the DVD Video Burn type; this activates the plugin download). Once you have the plugin installed, you should be able to hear the sound on .vob files.

Solution 3: Check the sound card for any conflicts with another device.

To check the status of your sound card in Windows:

1. ON YOUR KEYBOARD: Hold down the Windows key and press "R" 2. Type devmgmt.msc 3. Click OK. 4. Click the plus [+] sign or arrow next to "Sound, video, and game controllers." 5. Right-click your sound card, and select Properties. 6. Compare the information in the dialog with your sound card driver descriptions in the sound card documentation. 7. On the General tab of the Systems Properties dialog, make sure that the Device status message is "This device is working properly." 6. Under Device Usage, make sure that the Disable in the hardware profile option is not selected. The Device Usage field should indicate "Use this device (enable)" or "Exists" in all hardware profiles.

Solution 4: Close background programs.

RealTimes (RealPlayer) may not be able to access the sound card if another program is using it. Temporarily disabling these programs may allow RealTimes (RealPlayer) to play sound.

Solution 5: Update your sound card drivers.

Your computer uses driver software to send information to the sound card. If the driver software is out-of-date or corrupt, RealTimes (RealPlayer) may not be able to play sound. We recommend that you update your sound card drivers on a regular basis. Visit your sound card manufacturer's website to verify that you are using the latest drivers.